How to Lay Patios

You can lay your own patio.

One of the least complicated ways to lay a patio is by using pavers and sand. You need to choose the type of pavers and the color and the pattern. For example if you choose brick pavers you have to decide whether you want to lay the bricks in a running-bond pattern, a cross-bond pattern, a herringbone pattern or a basket-weave pattern (no brick cuts necessary). Or if you are inventive you can make up your own pattern.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Spray chalk
• Polyethylene plastic sheeting
• Shovel
• Rake
• 2 by 4 boards (to border your patio)
• Screws
• Screw driver
• Hand tamper or machine tamper (machine tamper can be rented)
• Landscaping fabric
• Sand
• Screed (flat board used to level sand)
• Pavers
• Circular saw with masonry blade and safety goggles (if pavers need to be cut)
• Rubber mallet
• Broom
• Hose

Instructions

1. 

   Create a design for your patio.

   Design your patio including the size, location and paver pattern, using colored pencils and paper.

2. 

   Clear the area with a rake and shovel.

   Mark the area that will be used for the patio using a measuring tape and spray chalk. Clear and grade the area using a shovel and rake, making a slight 1-2 inch slope away from the house. Pack the soil with a tamper and cover it with landscaping fabric.

3. 

   Frame your patio area with 2 by 4 boards.

   Frame the area with 2 by 4 boards and check the alignment with a level. Add wood stakes behind the boards to hold the frame in place, then connect the boards with screws and a screw driver.

4. 

   Add 3 inches of sand.

   Add a 3-inch layer of course sand. Level the sand by pulling a screed across it until it is smooth and even.

5. 

   Choose a design for your bricks.

   Lay bricks beginning in one corner. (If necessary, cut pavers with the circular saw with a masonry blade to complete your pattern.) Tap each paver gently with your mallet to make sure it is set in the sand. Add sand under the paver if it is too low, take sand away if it is too high.

6. 

   Sweep the sand into the paver joints.

   Spread sand over the bricks and carefully sweep it into the crevices.

7. 

   Continue the pattern of adding sand and water.

   Water the area gently and let it dry, then add more sand and sweep it into the crevices. Continue adding sand, sweeping and adding water until the crevices are filled.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use goggles and gloves with the circular saw with masonry blade.

• Check your city's zoning laws to make sure that you are using the required materials for your patio.

References

• Danny Lipford: How to Lay a Paver Patio Video
• This Old House: Designing a Brick Walkway Video